Strengthening Your Islamic Knowledge to Teach with Confidence
As Muslim homeschooling parents, it's essential to deepen our own Islamic knowledge to ensure we're passing on accurate, spiritually enriching knowledge to our children. This journey is not only about teaching but also about embodying the values we hope to instill in them.
We've rouded up a few ways for you to:
Increase your Islamic knowledge
Integrate Islamic studies into your curriculum
And involve your children in your own learning journey
1. Resources for Increasing Islamic Knowledge
Start by seeking out authentic Islamic resources tailored for both parents and children.
Books like “Riyad-us-Saliheen” or “Fortress of the Muslim” are excellent for deepening your understanding of Islamic principles.
Online platforms such as Bayyinah TV, AlMaghrib Institute, or SeekersGuidance offer courses that you can take at your own pace.
Set aside time weekly for personal study, whether through a book, podcast, or online lecture, and make it a part of your own routine for spiritual enrichment and self-spiritual care.
I often incorporate Islamic podcasts into our morning and afternoon driving routines. Car time is an excellent way to have the whole family sit in for an inspiring lecture or to brush up on Quran memorization. You can even listen to Seerah books on audio. Some of our favorites are talks by Sh. Omar Suleiman.
2. Practical Tips for Integrating Islamic Studies into Your Curriculum
Creating separate Islamic studies lessons into your day might feel like a forced way to learn about the beauty of our religion. Instead, try weaving Islamic values and teachings into various subjects. For example:
Language Arts: Study Quranic stories or Islamic literature as part of reading comprehension and critical thinking. For example, The Auto-Biography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley is a great novel that teens can read to dive deep into Islam while learning about an important historical figure and historical events. Have them choose a project to do when they finish reading to present to the family so everyone can benefit from the knowledge gained. Teaching others is also a great way to teach ourselves.
History: Explore the Golden Age of Islam, the lives of the Prophets, or key Islamic civilizations. Include independent study or projects for older children. Plan trips around your studies. An excellent show to watch as a family is Rise of Empires: Ottoman on Netflix have a family discussion after each episode. Have your teen write a paper analyzing the relationship between Sultan Mehmet and Vlad Dracula for a deeper dive.
Science: Highlight verses in the Quran that correspond to scientific discoveries and emphasize the connection between faith and knowledge. For younger children try our Roots Curriculum at home.
Using Islamic principles in everyday lessons keeps faith integrated into your children’s learning journey without overwhelming them or making Islamic studies a dry and boring subject.
3. Ways to Involve Your Children in Your Own Learning Process
Involving your children in your personal growth fosters a love for lifelong learning.
Let them see you participating in community events and gatherings. Share with them your reflections, observations or findings in your own learning journey. Encourage your children to do the same and get involved.
Joining a community challenge that nurtures spiritual growth is a great option, too. The One14 challenge that challenges members to register for a race and memorize a surah attached to that race. The event is geared toward the whole family, adults and kids alike can strive to train for the run together members and support one another in their Quran memorization.
By making your own learning visible and inviting your children to participate, you become a role model of growth and dedication to faith.